GW Women's Soccer Begins 2016 Preparations
8/4/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
First practice of 2016 ✅ #RaiseHigh #LeaveYourMark
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WASHINGTON - Coming off a historic season which included a school-record 15 wins and an Atlantic 10 Championship, the George Washington women's soccer squad returned to campus on Tuesday to begin preseason preparations for 2016 under the direction of fifth-year head coach Sarah Barnes.
The Colonials return 20 letterwinners from last season and welcome five freshmen to the squad.
"We have a great mix of experience and youth and they are set to attack our most challenging schedule in recent years," said Barnes, the 2015 A-10 Coach of the Year. "The energy and effort have been fantastic, so we look forward to building on that mentality day in and day out as we move through the season.
Wednesday marked the first day of practice, where Barnes and second-year assistant coach Jeremy Williams led drills with field players and second-year assistant coach Erin Ridley facilitated goalkeeper training.
"In these first few training sessions, we're working hard to solidify our defensive game and are excited about the commitment we've seen from each player to own their individual responsibilities which will make our team better," said Barnes.
The Buff and Blue will train twice a day during preseason, leading up to an exhibition match on Friday, Aug. 12, at Loyola. GW officially opens the 2016 regular season on Friday, Aug. 19, at St. Francis followed by the Colonials' home opener on Sunday, Aug. 21, against Cleveland State at the GW Soccer Field on the Mount Vernon Campus.